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A MURDER SYNDICATE.
A MURDER SYNDICATE. A startling discovery has been made at Monte Video. According to the Times correspondent at that pllce, a syndicate has been discovered which has, been insuring the lives of poor young men for large sums of money, and then procuring their early death in order to collect the amount of the insurance policy. Three cases have occurred, and nearly E10,000 has been collected. The syndicate has other policies to the amount of ;E30,000. The ringleaders have been arrested.
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AN extraordinary phenomenon has :been noticed with regard to the chestnut trees in the Avenue Louise, Brussels, since the installation. of the elec- trical trams. Their foliage begins to turn brown and drop early in August, to bud, and even to blossom, again in October. The trees on the opposite side to the tramway behave like ordinary trees, for they lose their foliage in the late autumn and do not put forth fresh blossoms until the spring. Botanists are in- clined to believe that the cause of this singular state of things is due to the electrical current which passes w underground acting upon the roots of the trees, which are otherwise quite neaithy. SOME REMARKABLE CHURCH TREES is the title of an illustrated article in the Quiver, in which the writer deals with a number of instances of curiously- placed trees and shrubs, including the two famous trees to be found inside Ross Church. They take the form of two gaunt, solid trunks of some seven or eight inches in diameter, which are in reality suckers sprung from the roots of an old tree that was cut dgwn outside many years ago. They lived long enough in their strange surroundings to grow right up into the roof, and regularly put fort leaves, 'but they have now been dead six or even, rR. The trunks are still suffered to remain in the hurch, and, in fact, are covered with foliage in the summer months but it is borrowed plumage, for the leaves actually belong to a Virginia creeper which has been placed in a stone trough set at the foot of the trees. These old trunks are held in much veneration by the townspeople, many of whom attri- bute a most poetic history to them. The cele- brated Man of Ross," who lived at the latter end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, among other great benettts conferred upon his native town, is said to have planted all the magnificent elms that now adorn the churchyard, and he has always been held in grateful remembrance by the inhabitants, put when one of his elm-trees, planted too near the church, began to interfere with the roof, a matter-of- fact churchwarden of the early part of the century, with no respect for the ancient traditions of the place, had it cut down. Thereupon, in the very next. year (the story goes), these two trees made their appearanco, as a protest against the high-handed act, I in the actual seat where the Man of Ross," when in the flesh, used to worship on Sundays. Hence the care with which they have been cherished even after I their death, as no one knows what stepal the old tree might take next to assert its dignity, if they were re- moved.
TEA CARAVANS.
TEA CARAVANS. Russian tea-traders have received news that the great caravans will shortly start on their long journey across Siberia, says the Leisure Hour. Within recent years much of the tea consumed in Russia has made the sea voyage frdm Chinese ports to Odessa on the Black Sea, but Russians say tnat tea transported by sea loses much in flavour and quality. In conse- quence of this the largest tea merchants still continue to receive the bulk of their stock by the overland route. Early in January the caravans arrive in Tomsk. Between the 1st and the 20th of the month 19,000 sledges full of tea are expected, each sledge containing five packages of about 1301b. each. The tea is packed not in cases but in stiffened ox-hides. Five sledges are tied together and drawn by one horse. The last sledge of each group contains hay and barley, which the horse of the next group quietly munches as he travels. In consequence of this arrangement the caravans lose no time. The first horse only, who does not feed as he walks, is changed from time to time. The horses are changed in the villages along the road, but as villages are rarely met it often happens that the horses collapse from over-fatigue. The leaders of the caravan, usually Kirghiz, sleep in the sledges, although the thermometer is often 40deg. below freezing-point. From the Chinese tea- growing districts to Tomsk is a year's journey by caravan.
FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS ABROAD.
FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS ABROAD. ALLOWANCES ON SEPARATION. Instructions relating to families of soldiers abroad, allowances on separation, have been promulgated to the army with the approval of the Secretary of State for War, and the following notifications, are made: When soldiers upon the married establishment are separated from their families at a station abroad, the families will either be retained in barracks, receiving the authorised rations of provisions, fuel, and light; or will be granted lodging and other allowances in lieu, according to the rank of the soldier. Under these circumstances the lower rate only of separation allowance will be issuable. The allowance regulations will be amended accordingly. Separation allowance and alljtoents of pay to families left behind upon soldiers proceeding abroad, or upon mobilization, will be paid by the paymaster who pays the Reservists of the unit concerned. Upon mobilisation ipayment, at home, will be made by army money order and identity certificates. A.F. D 455, will be required. The amendments shown hereunder will consequently be made in the regulations. On mobilisation, separation allowance and allotments will be paid by means of the same army money order when it is convenient to do so. In such cases one advice list only will be prepared. Pending the issue of a special form, care will be taken to classify separately in parallel columns on the advice lists the sums chargeable to the two head- ings, and the identity certificate will be amended in order to make it applicable to allotments as well as to separation allowance. Certain amendments will be made in the Secretary of State's instructions to Article 955, Pay Warrant, 1899. In regard to allowance regulations (1898) the fol- lowing will be substituted for paragraph 116 (2): When the family is left behind upon the soldier proceeding abroad, or on mobilisation, or is inva- lided home, and not accompanied by the soldier, the officer commanding the unit will forward the necessary particulars of the families upon A.F. 0 1796, together with a report of the circum- stances in which the separation occurred, to the paymaster paying the Reservists of the unit (see Appendix D of Mobilisation Regulations), who will issue the allowances without further authority. In cases not otherwise provided for, the payments will be made by the district paymaster, Home Dis- trict. The paymaster will acquaint the staff officer of the corps concerned, and will receive from that officer a notification of any casualties, or changes, affecting the issues. It is to be understood, with refereence to A.O. 171 of this month, that recruits who are sent to the depot, or retained at the peace station of their unit, when such unit is mobilised, will not be exempt from the conditions of paragraph 91 of the Allowance Regu- lations.
PRIZES FOR WELL-DOING.
PRIZES FOR WELL-DOING. A somewhat remarkable provision is made in the will of the late Mr. illiam Brown Nimmo, for- merly of Leith. After providing for a number of annuities to relatives and others, and making other bequests, it is directed that after the death of the last survivor of the annuitants, or until the expira- tion of 21 years from the date of the testator's death, the whole free income of the estate, or such surplus as shall remain, shall be applied in giving assistance, by way of annual payments not exceeding E20 nor undeiF-10 each, to well-doing, industrious, and de- serving women, married or single, or widows of the lower classes. The testator says The object I have in view is the establishment of a trust for the disposal of a series of what may be considered small prizes for well-doing, and that a preference shall be given to women whose maiden name is 'Brown. Edinburgh and Leith have the first chance.
MOUNT KENIA EXPEDITION.
MOUNT KENIA EXPEDITION. A telegram from Mombasa states that Mr. H. J. Mackinder, leader of the Mount Kenia Expedition, sailed on Saturday homeward. Some Europeans re- main at the railhead, but they will sail at the end of the month. The expedition was successful, and the summit of Mount Kenia was reached at the third attempt. It is over 17,000ft. high. Fifteen glaciers were discovered, including two large ones. The health of the Europeans is excellent, in IIpite of the hardships they have undergone. Mount Kenia was reached by a new route through Meranga, and the party returned over the Settima range.
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SOME recent fire tests made by the British Fire Prevention Committee at their testing station in North London have tended to confirm the opinion that fire-resisting glazing is a valuable protective agent. Experiments were made with a number of skylights, fitted with wired glass. These are sub- mitted for 30 minutes to the high temperature of 1500deg. Fahr. Water was then turned on to the outside of the glass for a period of one minute, and at the expiration of 30 minutes water was again ap- plied. Although the glass cracked and bulged inwards some 2in. it did not let either the fire or the water through. This result i was considered by the experts who watched the operations, if not abso- lutely conclusive, showed that specially prepared Class does resist the progress of fire, and not pro- mote it. as in the case with ordinary glass.
HIGHEST TOWER IN THE WORLD.
HIGHEST TOWER IN THE WORLD. The highest tower in the world is presently to be built as one of the great attractions of Buffalo during the Pan-American Exhibition, which is to be held in the city in 1901. It is to be 1152ft. high and 400ft. square at the base, and will be a much more ornamental building than the Eiffel Tower itself. It will be served by no fewer than 33 electrical elevators, 16 of which will run onlv to the first landing, 225ft. above the level of the r-y-ound. The whole journey from the bottom to the top will necessitate four changes of elevators, and will take about six minutes, while the elevators wili nnve a carrying capaci?^ of 10,000 an hour. The iicd cost of this tower, which will be built of is £160,000. or about twice as much as that was involved by the erection of the Eiffel Tower.
IPUBLIC BURNING OF MORTGAGES,…
PUBLIC BURNING OF MORTGAGES, The Methodists of New York have fo'Ioweo the example of their mother church, and are enthusiasti- caliy organising a Twentieth Century Fund. They are expecting that the amount thus raised will enable them to clear off the £ 275,(XX) debt on the churches in New York and Brooklyn. When this is accomplished, it is intended to hold a great jubilee service, at which all the mortgages will be publicly consigned to the flames.
WILL MEXELTK COME TO ENGLAND?
WILL MEXELTK COME TO ENGLAND? According to the St. Petersburg correspondent of the Telegraph, Menelik is contemplating pnving a visit to England next year, after his sojourn in Paris for the Exhibition is terminated. His chief object, it is said, is to tender in person his gratitude to Queen Victoria and her Ministers for the territorial concessions near Lake Rudolph which Great Britain granted to Abyssinia. Rumours had already reached St. Petersburg to the effect that Menelik might visit England. His motive, however, was said to be a desire to persuade Great Britain to make him fresh concessions. He sees in the project of a Trans- African Railway, to which he has not yet given his acquiescence, an opportunity for making terms and arrangements advantageous to himself.
IWILLS AND BEQUESTS.
WILLS AND BEQUESTS. The executors of the will of the Earl of Wharn- cliffe, who died on May 13 last, aged 71 years. are Lord Hillingdon, the testator's nephew, the Hon. John Walter Edward Scott Montagu of Beaulieu, M.P., and the Right Hon. Charles Beilby Stuart Wortley, Q.C., by whom the whole of the late Lord WharnclifTe's estate has been valued at £ 178,477 8s. 5d., including personal estate of the net value of £ 114,438 16s. 9d. The testator devised all of his real estate to the like uses and upon the like trusts with those declared in a family settlement of October 10, 1888. He bequeathed the family jewels and the plate, pictures, statues, china, and furniture at Wortley and Simonstone and in Wharncliffe House to devolve as heir- looms with the settled estate. He appointed, sub- ject to Lady Wharncliffe's life interest, a trust fund of £10,000 settled on July 3,1855, on their marriage, in favour of his nephews, Ralph Granville Montagu Stuart Wortley and Alan Richard Montagu Stuart Wortley, but charged as to the share of the former with a sum advanced to him, and Lord Wharncliffe bequeathed to his wife, Susan Charlotte, Countess of Wharncliffe (daughter of the third Earl of Hare- wood) E2000, certain carriages and horses, the jewels usually worn by her (other than family jewels), the use of eertain plate at Simonstone, and of certain effects at Wharncliffe House, but subject to the pro- vision that if Lady Wharncliffe should discontinue the profession of the Protestant religion, and embrace the Roman Catholic religion, although," the testa- tor stated, I have not at present any idea of any such intention on her part," the gifts and bequests to her are to cease. Mr. Henry William Cripps, of Beechwood. Mar- low, Q.C., Recorder of Liverpool, Chancellor of the Diocese of Oxford, and Chairman of the Bucks Quarter Sessions, who died on August 14 last, aged 84 years, left personal estate valued at £ 41,520 19s. 2d., and the whole of hiselltate has been valued at P-,56,111 3s. gross. The executors of the will of Dame Margaret Man- field, of Redlands, Cliftonville, Northampton, who died on July 12 last, aged 79 years, wife of Sir Philip Mantield, are her sons, Harry and James Manfield. by whom the testatrix's estate has been valued at E1216 9s. 5d. The personal estate has been valued at £ 21,486, 9s. Id. of Mr. Rowland Hill Blades, of The Firs, Sutton, Surrey, and of the firm of Blades, East, and Blades, 23, Abchurch-lane, printer, who died on November 1 last, aged 72 years, and the sole executor of whose will of September 24, 1898, is his son, George Rowland Blades. The testator be- queathed to his niece, Eliza Mary Blades, £ 250 to Mrs. Eliza Ann Blades, of New Zealand, EIOO to Amy Balcorobe and Isabel Mary Balcombe, each E25 to his sister, Mrs. William Balcombe, £ 50; to his nephews, Joseph and Herbert and Alfred and Hugh Blades, £ 25 each and to three other nephews, E20 each; to his nieces, Bithiah Blades, Mrs. Hudson, Isabella Blades, and Mrs. Helen Baker, each £10 to buy some memento. He bequeathed to the Printers' Pension Corporation £ 50, and he left the residue of his estate to his said son, George Row- land Blades, absolutely.
STOCKS IN LONDON.
STOCKS IN LONDON. The Church of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, possesses an excellent specimen of the old-fashioned stocks in which drunkards and other delinquents were wont to be placed, and also a good example of the once well-used whipping post. For many years they have been stored among the lumber which accumulates at a parish church, but it has now been decided to put them in a position where the modern generation may see the means of punishment adopted by their fore- fathers.
THE YEAR'S WORK OF AI LOCOMOTIVE.!
THE YEAR'S WORK OF A LOCOMOTIVE. There are 19,914 locomotives at work on the rail- ways of the United Kingdom, and each of these, on an average, runs 19,096 miles in a year, and earns for this £4573, so that each mile the locomotive runs its gross receipts are about 4s. 9d. Efigincer- illg pomts out that out of this the working expenses of stations, the upkeep of permanent way, and the cost of signalling. &c., as well as the drivers' wages and the coal burned, amounting in all to nearly 3s., have to be paid. Like the human factor in all in- dustries, the locomotive to-day is doing less than that of 10 years ago, for the 15.924 locomotives then on the railways each ran 19,035 miles, but, unlike the human factor, the engines are now earning less-or £ 4929 per annum. The Scotch locomotive seems to do the most work. There they have one locomotive for every one mile six furlongs of railway open, whereas in England and Wales there is an engine for every seven furlongs or so. In Ireland there is only one locomotive for every four miles of railway.
THE MOST NUTRITIOUS FOODS.
THE MOST NUTRITIOUS FOODS. Professor Atwater, who has devoted himself to the study for a number of years, declares that there is no single perfect, food, the nearest approach to it being milk. No food, however, contains the essential constituents in right -proportions, and thus we have to get what we want by combining our foods. It will be a shock to many thrifty housewives to learn that beef and eggs are among the greatest of all economical mistakes. A single shilling spent in wbeat-flour will yield as much nutriment as 30s. spent on sirloin of beef. Suz-ar ranks next to wheat-flour as an economical food, for a shilling's worth of sugar contains as much nutri- ment as six shillings' worth of milk, 12 shillings' worth of eggs, or a pound's worth of oysters. In proportion to their cost, oysters are almost the least nutritious of all foods. Beans and potatoes run a close race for the third place among valuable and cheap foods, and the f ourth place is shared between fat salt pork and cheese made from skimmed milk. j —
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A GEKTLEMAN of decided and ighly-cnltivated musical tastes, wishing to change his residence, advertised for rooms in "A private family fond of music." The next post brought him the following reply: "Dear fsir,—I think we could accomodate you with rooms, and as for music, one of my daughters plays the parlour organ and gittar; another one plays the accordeon and banjo I play a cornet and tiddler my wife plays the harmonica; and my son the flute. We all sing, and if youarc good at tenner singing you would fit right in when we get to singing Gospel hymns evenings, for none 1 of us sing tenner. Or if you play the base via!, we have one right here in the house. If you want music as well as board, we could accomodate you, and them would be no extra charge for it."
GARDENING GOSSIP.
GARDENING GOSSIP. (From Gardening H,lusirated.~) CONSERVATORY. All the Chrysanthemums except the verv late sorts, which are being kept back for Christmas and the New Year, will now be under cover. Most of us are put to our wits' ends to find room for them Some are thrust into Peach Houses and vineriea, and others are. for the time being, under improvisei shelters of canvas. etc.. but ultimately things will find their level and drop into place. The Chrysanthemum is a lovely flower-t he autumn flower par excellence —but is not the thing a little over-done ? It is in the nature of things for an enthusiast to run to ex- tremes, and fill his garden with Chrysanthemums to the neglect of other things, but it is wise to do it well. The Chrysanthemums require much care and constant attention, and there are other autumn and winter flowers which are worthJ of attention, and that will give much needed variety: The scarlet Salvia splendens grandiflora is fast becoming a mass of scarlet and green. Its culture is very simple, and is effectiveness lasts a long time. One has only to strike cuttings in spring, pot them off, and plant out in an open situation first week in June. with an occasional pinching, to have plants large enough to fill a 12in. pot. bushy and full of flower-spikes. Bouvardias grown in pits freely venti- lated are coming into flower. When well done they make nice specimens, and if kept in a hght position will last a long time. These are subject to insect attacks. A species of green-fiv. rather dlfiir-Jt to kill by the ordinary process of tumigating with Tobacco-paper, is found on the young shoots, especially if not fumigated before the flowers open. Vaporising is more effec- tive than fumigating, and every plant-house should be submitted to this treatment as soon as the plants are all housed. Arum Lilies that were potted early into good-sized pots will soon want a night temperature of 60deg. if the flowers are to be ready for Christmas. And here again the green-fly will certainly appear on the young foliage if proper steps for its prompt destruction are not taken. Pot more bulbs for forcing. FORCING-HOUSE. French Beans in pots require a temperature of not less-than 60deg. in winter. They may also be grown in boxes or shelves near the glass. Where only a few Cucumbers are required, they may be grown in a kind of multum in parro house that has to hold many things at this season, either in pots or on a sheet of corrugated galvanised iron fixed over the hot-water- pipes at one end. I have seen them do better in this way than in pots, as it admits of the frequent top- dressing which is so beneficial to Cucumbers. Tomatoes may be grown in pots in the same house, and later on. if the house is large enough, Strawberries and a Grape-A'ine or two in pots may be introduced. The market-grower who does things on a large scala would very likely scoff at these little attempts to grow many things in one house, but it is done, and done well too, in many small gardens but the most successful understand the necessity of studying details. I have seen these small houses producing all the thing? befcre named, besides raising seed- lings, striking cuttings, and forcing a few flowers for cutting when flowers are scarce in winter. EARLY rEACII-IlOUSE. The leaves now are falling fast, and this process may he helped by passing a Birch-broom lightly along the brandies in the direction of their extremi- ties, but no force should be used. Give all the air possible to thoroughly harden the young wood. All the old wood which is not required should have been cut as socn as the fruit was gathered. If the house is to be forced early the pruning, washing, and train- ing should be done during November, and some of the exhausted surface soil removed and replaoed with fresh turfy loam, with which a little patent manure has been mixed. EARLY YI5y.RY. Vines Lre not forced so early nowadays as was for-. merly the case, such late-ke°ping sorts as Lady Downes and Gros Coiman taking the place of the early-forced Hamburghs. and when a small house can be given up to pot-Vines the first house of established Vines need not be started before the first of January, or even later, as after a long rest the buds respond to ttie excitement of artificial beat mora readily. When Vines have been forced for several seasons they are quite ready for the start when the season comes round but even where the Vines are not started till January, the pruning should be done as soon as the leaves are ripe and ready to fall. Spur-pruning is generally adapted, but this need not preclude the taking up of a young rod occasionally. In planting a number of Vines in one house it frequently happens that one or two Vines produce finer berries and bunches than the others, and these should be permitted to extend, gradually reducing those near, or removing them altogether. WINDOW GARDENING. Window-boxes outside are getting shabbv, and should be refilled with dwarf Chrysanthemums or um" other plants suitable for the season. Indoor plants will require less water now. As Begonias go out of flower gradually reduce the water until the foliage dies off, when they may go to rest and be placed in the cellar. Heaths are bright and effective now, especially E. gracilis and E. hyemalis. These should never be permitted to get dust-dry. OUTDOOR GARDEN. The beauty of the beds of tender plants is now over, and if not already done all tender plants should at once be potted up if they are to be saved. This has been a bad season for getting cuttings of bedding "Geraniums." and it may be necessary to pot up the best of the old plants with the view of taking cuttings from early in spring. Where possible a little warmth will be desirable to start the roots into action. If there are plenty of early-flowering Chrysanthemums, beds near the house may be made very bright and dressy for some time with small late-struck plants out of pots. It is time to plant Carna- tions of the border varieties. If they cannot be got out this month it will be better to pot them up and keep them in frames on a thick bed of rather rough coal-ashes till March, and then plant tbem. In cold, exposed places there will be fewer losses if this plan is adopted, and new varieties it is better to keep in pots till the spring. Beds of Violas or Tufted Pansies are very effective in spring and early summer, and as soon as the cuttings are rooted they will be better in the beds. Cuttings are best, but it often happens that from lack of time the old plants have to be pulled to pieces and used again. Early- flowering bulbs should be planted at once, and Lilies will flower better if planted early. Give the finishing touches to beds intended for Roses. FRUIT GARDEN. Finish root-pruning over-luxuriant fruit-trees. Lift the roots of young Peaches on walls, and also under glass, if making too mush wood. But free growth in youth is not a disadvantage where there is space to cover. In making or preparing new positions for fruit-trees do not use manure. A little good loam round the roots is an advantage to give the roots a start. A rich top-dressing over the roots of old, free-bearing trees is beneficial, but young trees do not require it. Trees on what are termed dwarfing stocks require rich surface dressings to feed the surface roots, but no spade should be used near the roots of such trees; and if the trees are planted round the margins of the vegetable quarters, nothing should be planted within 3ft. of the stems. As the trees expand more space should be given to them. Look after the late Apples and Pears and gather them as soon as they part easily from the stalk, as bruised fruits will not keep. Those who only have a few trees of the choice dessert Pears may prolong the season by gathering the crop piece- meal, taking them off the south side of the tree first, and leaving the others a week or 10 days. This. of course, only refers to pyramids or espaliers. The espalier system of training is a good one for Peara and Apples, but does not suit stone fruits so well. It is always desirable to have a Mulberry-tree or two in some part of the garden, but they are slow in coming into bearing. VSGSTABLE GARDEN. Tomatoes set out in a warm-house in June or July will go on bearing till Christmas or later, if the growth is kept thin and the night tempetature not much under 60deg. Cabbage seeds where left to Nature have not germinated well in consequence of the heat and drought at the time of sowing and since; but things are moving freely now, and all the green crops have a good deal of leeway to make up. This season gives another instance of the importance of sowing a few seeds of Brussels Sprouts in February under glass and planting them out early. In many gardens long ago it was common to make a small sowing of Brussels Sprouts outside early in October. These plants remained in the seed-bed all winter, and were pricked out in spring, and planted out finally early in May. Then the sowing under glass in February was not required. No one has too many Mushrooms in winter and early spring, and this is a good season to make up a number of beds. In making a new house for Mushrooms it is a good plan to excavate deep enough to have a cellar beneath for the summer beds. Sow French Beans in pots of succession. It js not too late to sow Corn Salad if done at once, as this may be used in a small young state. AU the largest of the Cauliflower plants in seed-beds should be pricked out in frames. The check of transplant- ing will be beneficial. Tie leaves over the hearts of Cauliflowersturoing in.
JALEBERD'S BUMPS. A PHRENOLOGICAL…
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] JALEBERD'S BUMPS. A PHRENOLOGICAL EXPERIMENT. BY JAMES GREENWOOD. AUTHOR OP "Dick Temple* "Reuben Davidgeru IVild Sports ■of the World," u Curiosities of Savage Life," Fair Phyllis of Lavender Wharf, Under a Cloud," A Little Ragamuffin, "Ker)-ison's,Ct-i))te," Three Rogues," "Humphrey Dyot* Silas the Conjuror," etc. CHAPTER II—(Continued.) Thi rather altered my views. The bird—the purse I mean-was something, but the advantages, as lie put them— in the bush," as one may say, was some- thing too I was still hesitating, when we turned into Holborn, where there is a wholesale chemist's and druggist's, and he took me in there. Oh, Mr. Pringle," says he, smilingly, to a gentle- man who was sitting at a desk, will yon kindly allow me to refer to you for a character for the satis- faction of this young man, who does not know me, and with whom I am negotiating a little business?" The gentleman at the desk looked, I thought, a little surprised at the request, as did another gentle- man who was grinding up something with a pestle and mortar, and who bent his head over it so as not to be seen grinning. Sir," -said Mr. Pringle, getting up'from his seat and making a low bow, I need say no more than that I know of no one who is more highly esteemed, or more justly eo, than yourself." I am not one who is likely to break an engage- ment, or to make promises I am incapable of per- forming?" If anybody suggested such a thing to me, sir," returned Mr. Pringle, bowing once more, I should set it-down, either that he had been misled by mali- cious rqporcfs, or that he was a:person of weak intel- lect." But at the same time Mr. Pringle glanced at me with a comical twinkle in his eye, which I inter- preted as meaning, Who the deuce are you, with your shabby clothes and greasy old cap, that you can't take a gentleman's word without his getting somebody else to answer for it ?" It seemed all right now. I no longer hesitated, though I must own I was taken a little aback when, as we were about to pass a hairdresser's, he turned and remarked: te "You won't object, I suppose, to having all your hair taken off?" "They cut, it pretty short at Coldbath," says I. "There isn't much of it left." Not much under ordinary conditions, perhaps, but a great deal from my point of view. You must not mind. It will soon grow again." I want," said he to the barber, when we got inside the shop, I want you to shave this young man's head perfectly clean. As bald as his forehead, in fact. And, perhaps, you can find a wig, so that he may not take*cold." I certainly should not have agreed to it, but for what I had heard at the wholesale druggist's, and, after all, it was such a trifle it was not worth while to make a fuss about it. Indeed, when the barber had finished me off, and fitted me with a nicely-fitting wig of curly, brown hair, I don't think I would have changed it for my own hair back again, had I been able to. Nothing could be more certain, than that money, was no object with him, and that he intended to treat mewell. The wig alone cost him three'guineas, and soon after we came out of the hairdresser's we made another call, this time at a read Y-Inade.clothier's and there he rigged me out handsomely, and bought me a new hat as well, so that when we arrived at Blooms- bury-square I looked as much a swell as though I had lived there all my life. I was on the!right side,anyhow. I had a new suit of clothes, a wig that became me better than my own hair, and half a sovereign in my pocket. If I found that his precious" experi ments" were not to my liking, what would be easier, since I was to be allowed to go out for a walk whenever I had a mind to, than to walk off altogether? Doctor Flight informed me, as we walked along towards his abode, that he was a bachelor and had but one servant, an old housekeeper, who had lived with him many years. It was she who opened the door when we ,arrived, and I was instantly made aware by the scowl of distrust, not to say disgust with which she regarded me, that we were not likely to get on very well together. She was a tall, swarthy, keen-eyed, old woman, and-seemed equal to taking my measure at a glance in-spite-of my wigand new suit. The gentleman I have brought home with me, Mrs. Deborah," began the doctor, as I stood on the hall mat, while lie hung up his hat, will probably stay here for a time, and I have no,doubt that you will do your best to make him comfortable." It is my duty to obey your instructions, sir," returned Mrs. Deborah-stiffly. Is this the gentle- man ?" And she looked me up and down -supercili- ously. "Yes, Mrs. Deborah," returned the doctor in a con- ciliatory tone, and as though be was rather afraid of her, "a—a friend of mine." Oh a friend, air.. Not a ipatient? Because, sir, you w-ill pardon me far reminding you that the last person that made his appearance here did not exactly bear out Yes, yes, I know," Doctor Fligtbtinternlpted hei;, "but we are speaking of this gentleman now. You may call him a patient, if you please, since while he remains my guest he will avail himself of,the benefit of. scientific treatment. He will dine with meto-day, and sleep here to-night." The old woman looked as though she would have given a quarter's wages for liberty to speak out what was on her mind, but compromised the matter by giving me n. look of sour dislike, and then took her- self off. The house was elegantly furnished, and on every side there were indications that the doctor was a man of means. Had I really been a gentleman he could not have been more polite. At the same time, he was quite the master on one point. Oppressed with a sense of mystesy, I made a fishing remark, and he was down on me at once. Now let it be distinctly and once for all tmder- stood between us John Bird," said be, "you place yourself in my hands without question. As for the nature of my experiments, you need not trouble your- self about them, since, while they are in progress, you will know nothing of them." "I don"t -see, sir," said I, how the knowledge is to be kept from me." That's all right, then. If you can't see bow it can be don, of course, it cannot," he replied smil- ingly. We were at dinner at the time. You take caper sauce -with your mutton, Bird ?" he aaW with ;aladleful at-iready for me. But the observations he had made but a few moments before made me feel qualmish. That, and what I took for a straaage expression in his eyes when he asked if I took caper sauce made me suspicious of it. Answer me one question, doctor, and I promise .that I will not ask you another." On that condition I will answer it if I can wkat -do you wish to know ?" Is my stomach the part you are going to try ex- speriments on?" He laughed outright. "Certainly not; I feel not the least curiosity respecting your stomach." Then I am to understand, that is not your inten- tion to put anything uaknown to me into my victuals or drinks ?" Neither one or the other, on my word of honour. So now eat away and enjoy yourself." He found plenty to talk about, and after dinner he chatted away and endeavoured to make me do the same, his drift seemingly being to induce me to inform him as to the wickedness I took most delight in. I don't remember ever to have tasted port wine before, and a glass or two of it loosened my tongue. So I went ahead, free and easy, and told him just about everything I could think of, from the time when, a little nipper of ten m years old, I ran away from home with no other capital to start me in life than the money realised by the sale of a pair of silver-rimmed spectacles, and a bible I stole from my old grandmother. But however funny some of my stories were, the doctor did not laugh at them. He listened with the ravest face, aad as though I was giving him the particulars of different bodily complaints I was afflicted with, and made occasional notes in a little book, as though be intended, when I had done, to write out proper prescriptions to cure them. We were very comfortable together for three or four hours, when he said it was time for bed, and he would show me to my room. "You needn't be afraid of burglars," he remarked. I always sleep with my room door open, and I am wonderfully wakeful. Beside that, I am a dead shot with the pistol,'and have a PiLir at my bedside, and I should have no hesitation in letting fly at anyone I heard creeping about the house. And then he wished me good-night Mid sound re- pose, as kindly as though I had been his own brother. I was not such a fool, but I knew that when he spoke of his wakefulness, and his pistols, and his., being a dead shot, it was all intended al a broad hint for me. What else was I to expect? The most amazing thing was, that he trusted me as far as he had. Of J course he was aware that I was a thief. He knew that I was released from prison only that very morning, and, in the ordinary way of business, lahould be looking out for the earliest opportunity to commit robbery again. More than that. In his summing-up of my character, he gave me credit for being almost everything that was bad, and yet, he had clothed me, given me money-brought me to his house, making no concealment of his plate and other valuables, and lodged me like a lord. But what for? If his word might be taken for it, solely and wholly because I was such an out-and-out bad one, as to be scientifically interesting. Naturally, I treasured up all that he had said. I thought it not unlikely from his words, that if I placed myself in his hands, there would be no more prison punishment for me, no more evil consequences of any kind." Although he denied it, I could not help thinking that he had invented a new kind of religion for the cure of all sorts of wickedness, and meant to instil it into me. It had even occurred to me as possible, that his reason for insisting on my head being shaved, was that I might be more open to convictions than if I was wearing my prison crop. It might have been that, in his extreme anxiety to stripe me of all that pertained to the gaol, and that I might have a clear start, he had thought it well not to leave even a single hair on my head that had been grown at Coldbath. But as yet. he bad not said a word respecting religion to me. He had not as much as said grace at dinner-time! When did he intend commencing his experiments, and what would be the nature of them ? I felt that I could take his word, and he had given me an assur- ance that my food was not to be tampered with. There was comfort in that, but it did not cover everything, by a long way. Left by myself in the fine bedroom (the night be- fore, and for many nights previous. I lwd slept in a hammock slung in a miserable cell), I thought seri- ously of all this. What I funked most about, was the uncertainty as to when the first operation would be performed. What. could he mean by saying that when it did take place I should be unaware of it ? Was it something in the electric way ? I I looked under the bedstead for wires, and in the cupboard for batteries, but discovered nothing of the kind, and I at last got into bed, and soon dropped off to sleep. I never remember to have slept more soundly, or to have felt more refreshed when I awoke. The doctor had informed me over night that eight o'clock was breakfast time, and by the little clock on the mantel- shelf it had turned half-past seven, and I hurried to wash and dress. I was engaged in tying my neckerchief at the toilet-glass, when I made a rather curious discovery. There was a queer-looking stain on my shaven head I Rather atone side than in the centre, and the colour of it was a very pale orange-very pale-as though it had originally been deeper, and since washed off. But it wasn't much to take particular notice of. "Perhaps," I thought, "it is a stain off the inside of the wig or it might, for all I knew to the contrary, be a birth-mark, concealed up to this time under my I hair." But when I had dressed, and, having still a few minutes to spare, with a natural curiosity, was look- ing about the room. 1 found something else, that if it I did not throw a light on my first discovery, seemed to claim connection with it. On the pillow, just where my head had lain, there was a tiny øpot-not bigger than a pepper-córn-and ■it was bright orange CHAPTER III. THE MYSTERY INCREASES. I SEEK A SOLUTION Or IT OF THE BARBER WHO COMES TO SHAVE MY HEAD, BUT AM BAFFLED. IN DESPERATION I SET A TRAP. To say the least, it was acuriotis coincidence. lbad put on my wig, but I took it off to have another look at the faint stain-mark on my head, and certainly it might have been the same colour diluted as the tiny spot on the pillow. Was it a birth mark, or merely an accidental smear? I soaped a corner of a towel and gave it an extra hard rub, and it vanished. It was a puzzle. Could it be possible that I had been experimented on during the night? The idea seemed so absurd a moment after it entered my head, that I at once dismissed it. To have operated on me the doctor must have been in the room, and how could that have been without my being awake ? Besides, it was perfectly impossible that anyone could have entered the room, because before I had got into bed I had taken the precaution to lock the door, and it had remained so until I myself unlocked it. All the same there was the orange spot on the pillow, and I had satisfied myself that the stain on my head was not a permanent one. I can't say thaH wa!< at all alarmed. I was only mystified. For, after all, what Was there alarming in it? It didn't matter anyhow, and I wouldn't be so foolish as to mention it. When I went downstairs, the doctor, who joined me at the breakfast table, was as pleasant as ever. He enquired how I had slept, in an off-hand way, as polite people do, and not as though he attached the least importance to my answer. I told him that I had enjoyed a good night's rest. Head clear?" was his next enquiry, as he helped me to a rasher and an egg. He was not even looking at me when he put the question. Much the same as usual, sir." You are asound sleeper, generally Yes, sir, I am not easily woke when I once get fairly off." That's well. One of the advantages of having an easy conscience ?" And he laughed. But then he added, his laugh becoming a wondering smile It is marvellous, admitting the conscience theory- that a fellow with a head such as yours, Bird, cart sleep at all!" It is a good ibead, enough," says I, U if it is let alone." I don't know what made me say it, but he looked! up suddenly from his breakfast. How do you mean let alone?3 he asked, sharplv. "i mean," said I, ■" if it is not troubled wealt bav.e -oiir I rotibles, I suppose, at times. Aye, aye. But you have nothing to trouble your: head just at present, at all events. When I asked you if your head was clear, I was thinking of the few glasses of wine we had together last evening, and of your having been for eo long before a compulsory abstainer. I should not have been surprised if it had disturbed your brain a little, and caused you to dream," He made no further observation on the subject, but chatted in a general wav. After breakfast he re- marked that there was a capital old garden at the rear of the house, and I might smoke my pipe there if I liked, but I replied, that if he had no objectioil, I would rather go out for an hour or two. You will do precisely as you please, in that re- spect," said the doctor, so long as you keep out of the public-house. I don't say that a glass of beer will hurt you, but you might be tempted to take enough to make you foolish, and you might never come back again. That would be an annoyance to me, and a great loss to you. But I suppose I may trust you." "You certainly may, sir." You think so at all events, and that is something. By the way, before you go-you will not feel offended at what I am going to say ?" v I won't if I can help it, sir." Just so. We professional men—yours is a pro- fession, you know, Bird-have a blunt way of dealing with each other. So I will trouble you before you start to turn out all your pockets. If you have got anything in them that does not belong to you, don't hesitate to produce it, and I will freely forgive you- this once." k But it was all right. Since I had been in the house I had felt too interested in trying to find out what Doctor Flight's game was to give my mind to steal- ing, and I hadn't taken a liberty with as much as a single silver spoon, as I soon convinced him. I am very glad that it is so," the doctor remarked, although it was scarcely to be expected. It will be much better for you to remain honest while you are under my roof, I assure you. By-the-by, we have not yet arranged what your rate of pay shall be. Would you like to name your own terms ?" I replied that I would rather leave it to him. Very good. Then suppose we say that your regular wages will be a pound a week, with your board and lodging ? The money will be accumulating for you as long as you are in my service, and so that you may feel the better able to lay it bv, I will allow you half-a-crown a day for pocket-money." Of course I had no objection to make to his offer. I could understand honesty being the best policy when it was put in that form, and I there and then resolved to hold on to the job as long as possible. But, BQ-ehow, all day long I was haunted by that little yellow spot on the pillow. Nothing else happened, however, to make me feel uncomfortable. The doctor was good-humoured and affable, and before bedtime we-had another long chat, while he drank mixed wine and water, and I smoked my pipe with a glass of grog. When 1 went to bed, to make doubly sure that no one should enter the room, I not only locked the door, but pushed down a strong little bolt that was beneath it as well. Again I slept well, and nothing disturbed me, but when next morning I looked in the, glass, there were the stains renewed! Not sharply defined, but in shape of smears here and there as though deeper stains had been iinperfeetly washed off. I was conscious of a creepy sensation all down my, back as I gazed at my bald head, and my face wenta shade or so paler. I turned to the cloor-the tact and the bolt were exactly as I had secured both the night before. I should have mentioned that the pillow-case had been changed. There was no spot on that this time but I could have sworn that before go;ng to bed there was no mark of any kind on my cranium, and in the night the stain had grown again-if it had not been placed there If by any kind of magic it was the doctor's doing, what was his purpose ? That he expected no immedi- ate result seemed certain, nor did it seem possible that there could be one, since whatever the applica- tion was it had not at present made the skin in the least tender. It was altogether unaccountable. I looked for other spots of a similar colour on my body, thinking, perhaps, a yellow rash might be breaking out on me owing to the unusual good living, but none were to be discovered. Doctor Flight did not take the trouble to ask how I had slept when I got down to breakfast, but there was no difference in his friendly behaviour. But it was horribly tantalising to be kept so in the darki "Am I giving you satisfaction, sid" I ventured to ask him. Make your mind quite easy on that score, Bird," he replied when you fail in doing so, you may de- pend on hearing it. As long as you behave as well as you have been doing, we shall not fall out. Are you going out again this morning ?" Not if you would rather I stayed in, sir. If you have afty particular business with me Jp; "But I haven't," he interrupted me sharply; we are going on very nicely, and shall continue to do so if you will but mind your own 'particular business and leave me to mind mine." So matters went on for a whole week. I had nothing to do but eat and drink of the best, and smoke my pipe, and stroll about and amuse myself between meal-times, with my half-a-crown a day pocket-money to spend. But the mystery remained unsolved 1 Every night I locked and bolted my bedroom door, and next mornmg found it still locked and bolted, but, all the same for that, between midnight and morning, the stains on my head, more or less distinct, but unmistakable, were renewed. (To be Oontinuetl.)
FARMING A PRECIPICE,
FARMING A PRECIPICE, The Chinese are an industrious people, and nothing is allowed to go to waste that can possibly be utilised. As the Empire of China is the largest on the globe, and contains nearly half of the entire human race. the necessity for economy is very apparent. They not only cultivate the land, but all of the lakes, pond., and marshes are gardens in which aquatic plants, suitable for food, are largely raised. Among these the water chestnut is pre-eminent, and is said to be of a very palatable and wholesome nature. In a narrative of Lord Macartney's Embassy to China it is related that his lordship's attendants in passing through a part of that Empire saw a man cultivating the side of a precipice, and, on examination, they found he had a ropa fastened around his waist, which was secured at the top of the mountain, and by which he let himself down to any part of the precipice where a few yards of available ground gave him encouragement to plant his vegetables and his corn. The whole of the culti- vated spots, which were at some distance from each other, appeared to be not more than half an acre, ahd near the bottom of the precipice, on a hillock, he had a little hut, where he supported a wife and several children in this hazardous manner.
A MISSIONARY IN KLONDYKE.…
A MISSIONARY IN KLONDYKE. The Church Family Newspaper publishes an inter_ Tiew with the Rev. R. J. Bowden, who has just re I turned home after a two years' stay in the Klondyke gold region during a period which embraced the great gold rush,.of 1897. Talking of the great rush of out- siders, Mr. Bowen said: "The scenes that were witnessed were unparalleled. Hundreds of youpg men who had come from happy, comfortable homes were in a pitiable plight. Their faces looked as though they had been starved. They were not in a condition to face the rigours of the terrible climaja and great numbers of them sickened and died pf scurvy, typhoid, and malarial fever. The hardships which the gold seekers went through in search of the precious metal were incredible. Food was often so terribjy scarce that famine could hardly be staved off. Sometimes the miners were content to pay 6s. 6d. a pound for bacon." j
THE CONSUMPTION OF CHAMPAGNE.
THE CONSUMPTION OF CHAMPAGNE. There is more champagne drunk in one year than the champagne district produces in seven, but it is in- teresting to know which countries take most of the genuine article. Last year the. champagne district exported 19^680,000 litres, .valued ;'at,, 91,327,o52f. England bought more than half the tow. Belgium followed a long way after with 4^,788,000 litres, Ger- many witli 1,859,000., aiyl toe United. Skates and B;C Canada with 1,149,400 litres. Russia, the-ally, was satisfied with 498,500 litres. K _r
THE EMPRESS AND TFIE SENTRY.
THE EMPRESS AND TFIE SENTRY. The Regiment tells a story which seroes-to illustrate the strict discipline of the German Army. Not -long ago the Empress, returning from a walk with a lady- in-waiting, was stopped at the park gate by a sentry, who refused to let her enter. In vain the lady reprer sented she was the Empress the soldier said he did not know her, and could not let her pass till he could get someone to identify her. This was eventually done by another soldier, and only then did the sentry allow his Sovereign's consort to enter her own gates. The man has since had a special message from the Emperor highly approving his steady adherence t" orders.
BOER MARKSMANSHIP.
BOER MARKSMANSHIP. A correspondent of the 2nd Battalion Durham, Light Infantry's regimental paper, writing from Cape Town, says: The Boer is always put down as a crack marksman. NQ doubt, they did a lot of execution at Majuba and Laing's Nek so did the Afridis, and so will any large bodies against smaller ones,'but the following will conclusively prove that the Boer is not a crack shot. Wellington is the Bisley of South Africa, and during my stay of seven years out there, the Boer never took the gold medal, and only once the silver one. I know that there are far better shots in the Durhams than among the Boers, taking them ali round.
DISILLUSIONED.I
DISILLUSIONED. From the windows with the lifted blinds mirrored and reflected gas-lights fell athwart the parade to the night-darkening sea. Overhead stars twinkled in the blue haze of twilight. Scarce a ripple disturbed the sea, lako-like in the slotliness of its tide. Dinner was ending. I was a guest at the Powell-Simpoo- sons'. Jimmy," exclaimed Captain Dick Rennet, the veiled princess is coming to serenade you." The veiled princess 1 Another roving minstrel growing fat on the credulity of the gullible public, eh ?" I laughed. Now, that is both unkind and ungenerous," chided my fiancee, Amy Powell-Simpkinson. Read that and apologise!" I read the proffered card: IN AID OF LOCAL CHARITIES. The Veiled Princess will sing to the visitors of Ardensea a number of unpublished songs with piano- forte accompaniment, at various points along the Parade to-night and to-morrow at 8. Your practical sympathy in this good work is invited." I apologise," I remarked meekly. Under the charitable circumstances the adoption of the money- drawing title is justifiable—provided the veiled princess has her accounts publicly audited by repre- sentatives of the local charities, who are not par- ticularised." A deprecatory reproof from my intended mother- in-law lost itself in Captain Dick's hilarious roar. "Do you know, James, that Captain Dick is a friend of the veiled princess?" cried Amy in alarm. "Oh, no t Not quite that," replied the captain. Say I have the pleasure of her acquaintance." And has obtained her promise to stop directly outside our house and unloosen our purse-strings," added Amy. Oh!" I laughed. If Dick and the princess are chums, of course. By the way, what's her real name, Dicky ?" I inquired. A cross between a sentimental blush and a flush of annoyance swept over the captain's fair skin. I haven't the lady's permission," he replied. "Oh," thought I, "you want her to yourself, do you, my boy ? Well, seeing that I am under guard of my fiancee and her mother, you need scarcely weigh me in among your opponents." Aloud I said, with a rapid assumption of sincerity not altogether feigned: I shall be awfully glad to hear your friend sing, Dicky, and to contribute to her success by a donation to the charities." Then out with your purse, Jimmy, for here comes the crowd," said the captain, whose table com- manded a view of the parade. They came; a noisy procession disturbing the night's serenity. First the crowd, then a sprucely groomed donkey dragging a cotta-e'piano riding upon a low trolley then three Sisters of Mercy- "Your auditors and accountants, Jimmy!" cried Rennet, with a nod from the crowd to the good ladies in sheltering bonnets. They stopped beneath our windows. A woman sat to the piano. The singer, fair, tall, majestically proud "-so said Captain Dick-took up her position and the crowd fell back. Captain Dick stole a glance at me; I was watching him amtisedly-him and the veiled woman below. The piano cast forth a few meloncholy strains. The night grew breathless again. The singer lifted her veil-only till it exposed her mouth. Then she sang: A beggar sat by the city gate, j Crying early and crying late; Thro'the sun and wind and rain, Pinched and starved—and his heart in pain." Did you ever see or hear a creation of your own fanciful brain suddenly and unexpectedly thrust upon you after long years of purposeful forgetfulness ? How it smacks you in the face, stuns you by the pal- pability of its exietence t I had written that song myself. 1 had heard the veiled singer sing it before—years before. They threw him gold and jewels rare, And twined a garland around his hair, But the beggar still sat by the city door, Crying always, to rich and poor: I; Take these baubles all away, Emblems of an hour', a day; t Green to-day but sere to-morrow; Love alone can ease my sorrow. Give me love 0, give me love Love alone can live for aye. The singer paused; the crowd clamoured. Ever heard that before, Jimmy ?" asked Captain Dick. I muttered a curse; but Amy's eyes sought mine. M Have you, James ?" she inquired. What do you think of the song ?" I asked. Commonplace," she sniffed. "Oh!" cried Captain Dick. Why, it's Jimmy's own composition!" "No! Is it really? You're not serious, James! Tell me, is it-did you compose that song ?" The woman was singing the second verse: "A maiden came to the city gate- "Yes," I admitted dreamily. "I did write that oong-years, ever so many years ago." My head began to swim. My mind had shot back ten years. I sank into a chair and covered my eyes. The illusion was complete. The room-the moon- light-the song—the woman I loved I never heard of your composition before, James, Did you publish it ?" "No." Then how did the learn it ?" I taught her myself I" I exclaimed boldly, leap- ing to my feet, my head bursting with memories. I was engaged to be married to her—at the time." O-h!" There was a wealth of expression in my .Y fiancic's simple exclamation. .# Had he forgotten me ? The chill dawn of summer day crept over the horizon. drew the curtains and looked out upon the dull gray sea. Had she forgotten me? I thought not. "Love alone can live for aye." Had she not sung the words herself-to me-only the night before ? For surely Captain Dick, in asking her to sing beneath our window, had intimated my presence She had not forgotten me Had I forgotten her ? Ten years ago I had crumpled in my hand the devotion of a good, beautiful girl, and dropped it carelessly into the desert world. But that was ten years ago. I was no longer the dull-witted fool of my youth. I had not forgotten her though bow often I had persuaded myself that I had! I sat down and wrote to her-with feverish speed and easy diction. It was all in my head-threshed out through a night of solitary debate. At the end of an hour I tore the papers to frag- ments and began again. My veiled princess "—it was her favourite title. How often had I paid mimic homage to my princess in the old, old days My veiled princess May I call and see you and ask your forgiveness ?- Your ever sincere subject, James Norton." After my previous outpourings the little note locked flippant and ungraceful but she would under- stand. At breakfast I met Captain Dick. I hear that the princess picked up quite a lot ot money last night. be remarked. By the way you forgot your promised subsciption, Jimmy." I will see that she. receives it," I replied. I turned my back and stared through the window. If Captain Dick thought I was going to question him about Doris Durant he was sorely mistaken. She would be singing along, the front again that night, I knew. The swish of a skirt suddenly fell on my ear. I turned, to find the captain gone and my hancie come. 1. Good-morqing, Amy," I said- Goe,d-iiio,r.nirtg-Mi. Nnrt,)n." -The fopnality was obviously suggestive. I half smiled. X WaS quite prepared. Allowing an interval of thoughtful silence, I spoke. After what I said last night—about the song, you know—rl think I owe you further explanation. The veiled princess and I knew one another almost from childhood. We were engaged to be married (with hJ;" mother's consent) and I cancelled the engagement because—I was a young fool. I paused. My fiancie looked chilly. That is aly I added. "Is itj" she inquired, and an indisputable challenge flew from her oold blwe eyes. I am in your hands, Amy. Any arrangement which you or your-mother may deem advisable will meet with my acquiescence." Mother will no doubt see you on the subject." Miss Powell Simpkinson walked haughtily from the Mom. 1. So my second engagement was a broken reed. What luck would attend the third ? I took a miniature of the veiled singer from my pocket and kissed it; nor was ashamed. That night, when the songstress was on the Parade, I slipped my note into her hand, along with the for- gotten donation; and the next morning received the reply: If you have really anything to say to me, come early to the Rock Cliff Hotel or you will find me engaged. But if it is onlv forgiveness you require, ) why, you could have had it long years ago if you had troubled to ask for it.—Yours sincerely, TaB VEILED PRINCESS.' Within an hour of breakfast I started. The sun was dancing on a summer sea my laughing senses danced in unison. A string band was sawing away at a gentle waltz; my dancing feet glided too. We were going to meet. after ten long years, she and L I Outside the Cliff Hotel pawed the horses of a landau. In the entrance hall stood Doris-" divinely tall, and most divinely fair "—hatted and gloved. You are only just in time," she said with a laugh, and led the way into the deserted coffee-room. We sat down by the window overlooking the sea. It is an ideal morning," I said. We parted on just such a day as this." Yes," she laughed. I still remetnber that day. Doesn't it seem ages ago ? Time seems to me to be the most desperate thing on earth. You've no idea how T have tried to keep a pace with it, or how dis- maUy I've failed. There's this morning, for example." She spoke quickly, a brightening flush upon her hitherto pallid cheeks. I declare that I haven't wasted a moment, yet my maid and the carriage are waiting-" For you? Must you go, then ?" I gasped. I must meet the twelve o'clock train," she laughed. The prince expects me. He is returning from our Russian home after a hurried business-" The prince r My husband." Your I-I never heard of it r- She laughed outright. "Are you not yourself engaged to be married? And are you not therefore preoccupied- ?" She broke off abruptly, warned, I believe, by my death- like pallor. "Pardon, if I have offended," she added contritely. Captain Dick led me to believe that you were engaged to Miss Powell-" Yes, oh yes I blurted. "Iiws!" 11 Was But there! You are by nature a bigoted Bohemian, too fond of personal liberty ever to Exactly," I replied. Yes; I suppose you must really be going to meet the prince. Good-bye Dor- princess!" Outside, the sun danced on the summer sea and the band sawed away at the same old waltz refrain and Captain Dick and Amy were parading the front together. Threenionths was announced —to my unfeigned satisfaction. But Doris! Ah, weli. she lis another's princess and I-am a bigoted Bohemian."
QUEEN OF ROUMANIAN LATEST…
QUEEN OF ROUMANIAN LATEST WORK. From a Bucharest correspondent we learn that the Queen of Roumania, whose literary activity is well known, has translated into Roumanian a German poem, entitled Neaga." The poem has been set to music by a Swedish composer, and the Queen has written -,o Mdme. Nuovina, the eminent vocalist, in- viting her to undertake the principal role when the piece is produced at Bucharest next January.
FREEMASONRY AT MAJUBA.
FREEMASONRY AT MAJUBA. Here is a story of Freemasonry on MSajuba Hill. A slightly wounded commissariat officer was being covered by the rifle of a Boer sharpshooter, when the former made a Masonic sign. The Boer lowered his rifle, and stepping over to the other, made him a prisoner, but treated him in a specially hospitable fashion as a brother member of the craft. The com- missariat man ascertained that Mr. Kruger and General Jotibeft were also Freemasons.
[No title]
THE wise man seeks a woman with an independent fortune rather than a fortune with an independent woman attached.